To provide new PhD students affiliated with Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam (OOA) a head start, a 5–day Basic Oncology Course is conducted in coordination with Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA) and Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI). This comprehensive course gives an expansive overview of oncology related topics, ranging from cancer biology and therapy development to supportive care. Its primary objective is to provide the next generation of oncological professionals a solid foundation.
Every year, Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam hosts this course at the VU University / Amsterdam UMC campus. Its aim is to familiarize new PhD candidates at CCA and NKI with the current fundamental aspects of oncology research. With a maximum capacity of 72 PhD students, demand consistently surpasses availability, emphasizing the significance of the Basic Oncology Course for early career researchers.
Lecture Program
The course encompasses morning lectures presented by highly regarded scientists affiliated with CCA and NKI. The lectures are largely grouped according to Cancer Center Amsterdam research themes. Topics range from the biological hallmarks of tumors, cancer stem cells, molecular imaging, and cancer immunology, to clinical areas including diagnostic biomarkers, principles of medical oncology, surgery, and radiotherapy. Furthermore, PhD students gain insights into patient outcomes associated with current cancer treatments and the provision of supportive care, which includes discussions on the ethics of end-of-life decisions.
Focus Working Groups
In the afternoon, under the guidance of coordinators specialized in specific tumor types, PhD candidates collaborate in small groups to discuss and integrate the morning’s research theme for their presentation. Each working group focuses on a distinct tumor type.
Presentations by PhD Students
On the course’s final day, each group delivers a 40-minute presentation summarizing the insights gained about the latest developments related to their assigned tumor type. The working groups encourage a lively and dynamic learning environment, enhanced by the diverse backgrounds of the participants.
The course also encourages social interaction by hosting a fun pubquiz the first evening, where PhD students can get to know their fellow workgroup members.
Highlighted Tumor Types and Working Group Coordinators
Brain tumors
Colorectal cancer
Head and neck malignancies
Hematological malignancies
Lung malignancies
Melanoma
Pancreatic cancer
Cervical cancer
Dr. Bart Westerman
Dr. Tineke Buffart & Dr. Sandra van Vliet
Dr. Simone Eerenstein
Dr. Costa Bachas
Dr. Idris Bahce
Prof. Fons van den Eertwegh
Prof. Geert Kazemier
Prof. Renske Steenbergen
By completing the OOA Basic Oncology Course, PhD students are introduced to a wide range of oncology research and care, equipping them with the latest insights and treatment options. Additionally, the course offers invaluable networking opportunities and fosters social interactions that will aid students as they embark upon their PhD journey
The organizing committee of the 2023 edition of the OOA Basic Oncology Course would like to express their gratitude to all lecturers, working group coordinators, and participating PhD students for turning this course into an inspiring and state-of-the-art event. We are looking forward to welcome the next generation of PhD candidates in 2024!
Course Organizing Committee
Dr. Maarten Bijlsma
Evelien Bos
Prof. dr. Nicole van Grieken
Dr. Rieneke van de Ven
For more information contact Evelien Bos, or check out the website of Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam.
Text by Evelien Bos, adapted by New Haven Biosciences Consulting.
This article was created for Cancer Center Amsterdam.